Finland saw its share of foreign workers almost double over the past ten years, according to a survey by ETLA Economic Research which evaluated the effects of this trend as positive.

From 2010 to 2020, the share of foreign workers in the Finnish labour market almost doubled from a low 4% in 2010 to 7.5% in 2020, which was accompanied by a rise in the employment rate among migrants. Most migrants currently work in retail and services, though an increasing number are also specialists and experts.

The survey added fuel to the ongoing labour shortage debate – a big theme ahead of parliamentary elections in April.

Foreign workers must increase to 40,000 per year during the next four-year parliamentary term – twice the current level – according to the Confederation of Finnish Industries.

The survey also found that migrant workers working full-time, including even low-paid ones, have a positive fiscal impact on the economy.

(Pekka Vänttinen | EURACTIV.com)